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Update
July 23.2026
3 Minutes Read

Howard Hanna’s Bold Move into Northern New England: What It Means for Agents

Howard Hanna Portside expansion concept with house icon and key

Howard Hanna’s Strategic Expansion into Northern New England

In a dynamic move that underscores the evolving landscape of real estate, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has strategically partnered with Portside Real Estate Group, marking its official entry into northern New England. This collaboration opens new avenues for growth and innovation, allowing Howard Hanna to tap into vibrant real estate markets in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Portside, led by its founder Dava Davin, boasts 12 offices and a robust team of 225 agents who successfully facilitated 2,090 transaction sides, culminating in an impressive sales volume of $1.33 billion in 2025. Their performance has rightfully earned them recognition among the top brokerage firms nationwide, reflecting the strength of their local market grasp.

Local Leadership Meets National Scale

The partnership model employed here mirrors successful strategies seen in other market-leading real estate firms. By allowing Portside to maintain its brand identity and leadership while benefiting from Howard Hanna’s robust technology and national referrals, this alliance effectively blends local expertise with national scale. This formation is not just about expansion; it’s about enriching the agent and client experience through enhanced service offerings, such as the “Buy Before You Sell” program and a unique 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Addressing Cost Pressures and Competitive Landscapes

As the real estate sector grapples with increasing cost pressures and a wave of consolidations, Howard Hanna's ability to provide additional benefits such as healthcare and 401(k) options for independent contractors emerges as a key differentiator. This feature acts not only as an attractive recruitment tool but also as a competitive lever that complements the traditional financial structure of brokerages.

“We seek to create a partnership that both empowers our agents and nourishes the existing culture of Portside,” said Hoby Hanna, CEO of Howard Hanna. Agents today are looking for firms that not only offer competitive splits but also an array of support mechanisms that contribute to their long-term financial health.

Cultivating a Unique Organizational Culture

Dava Davin expressed pride in the distinctive culture that Portside has cultivated. It revolves around relationships, shared purpose, and community engagement. The alliance with Howard Hanna not only reinforces this culture but also ensures that they can scale up their unique offerings, securing a promising future for both firms.

This partnership reflects the growing trend in the real estate sector, where independent brokerages leverage the strengths of larger organizations to enhance their market position while preserving their identity. Such models allow for flexibility and rapid responsiveness to market shifts, a critical asset in today's fast-paced economic climate.

Looking Ahead: Future Implications for Agents and Clients

As Howard Hanna and Portside navigate this new partnership, agents and clients alike stand to benefit from the synergistic advantages that come with this strategic alliance. The integration of cutting-edge technology, along with local market acumen, may well redefine client-agent interactions and enhance overall transaction outcomes.

In closing, as we observe the unfolding developments within this partnership, real estate professionals and investors are encouraged to stay attuned to emerging trends and innovations that could shape their next steps in an ever-evolving market landscape.

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07.23.2026

How Movement Mortgage's New Team Transforms Spanish-Speaking Lending

Update Movement Mortgage Expands Access for Spanish-Speaking Borrowers As the U.S. housing landscape continues to evolve, Movement Mortgage has made a bold move by launching its national Diverse Lending Support Team (DLST) and bringing its Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) mortgage program in-house. This development is particularly significant in the context of the Latino community, which is projected to drive a substantial share of homeownership growth in the coming decades. Breaking Down Barriers in the Mortgage Industry The DLST aims to eliminate language as a barrier to homeownership. According to Jeremy Berrios, Movement’s vice president for multicultural markets, "Language should never be a barrier to opportunity." With this new bilingual staffing support, loan officers who connect with Spanish-speaking clients can now offer a more tailored experience. For those who may not speak Spanish, the DLST acts as an extension of their services, allowing for smoother operations and better relationships with clients. A Simplified ITIN Mortgage Experience Traditionally, securing a mortgage for borrowers without Social Security numbers has involved complicated, fee-heavy processes. Movement's decision to streamline this with an in-house ITIN mortgage product enhances access significantly. With financing options up to 85% loan-to-value for qualifying individuals, this step addresses a critical gap in the mortgage market. The change shifts the burden away from brokers and enables Movement’s professionals to manage the entire lending process more efficiently. The Economic Implications of This Shift As we witness increasing demand for ITIN lending and bilingual support systems, it becomes clear that lenders must adapt to the changing landscape of the American homeowner. The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) predicts that Latin American households will become key players in the U.S. housing market, creating an urgent need for customized financial services. Furthermore, as lenders refine their offerings, they will likely experience greater client loyalty and expanded market share. Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Industry The introduction of the DLST and the in-house ITIN program could serve as a model for how other institutions might engage with linguistically diverse populations. In the face of a competitive landscape, providing such tailored services can set a company apart. As Spanish-speaking borrowers become an increasingly significant part of the mortgage market, financial institutions keen on growth must prioritize inclusivity in their service offerings. Why This Matters for Homebuyers For prospective homebuyers, particularly in communities where Spanish is a primary language, these initiatives present an opportunity to access mortgages that previously seemed out of reach. Understanding the options available, including the advantages of ITIN lending, is crucial for making informed financial decisions. As these programs become more commonplace, the hope is to see rising rates of homeownership among previously underserved demographics. With more than $20 billion in residential mortgages funded each year, Movement Mortgage is poised not only to meet the financial needs of its clients but also to lead by example in the evolving landscape of mortgage lending.

07.21.2026

The Future of Home Valuation: Is the Zestimate Era Ending?

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07.19.2026

How Will the Housing Market Survive Rising Rates and Iran Conflict 2.0?

Update The Housing Market: Navigating Through Turbulence The housing market currently stands at a precarious juncture as it faces the dual pressure of escalating geopolitical tensions stemming from the Iran conflict 2.0 and the persistent rise of mortgage rates, which have hovered above 6.64%. In this challenging environment, the impact of external events on housing demand and pricing cannot be overstated. Understanding the Current Mortgage Landscape Mortgage rates have a history of adversely affecting housing demand; when rates exceed the critical threshold of 6.64%, the market generally experiences a slowdown. Recent trends indicate that early demand signals are beginning to soften with pending sales remaining flat year over year, and purchase applications showing a rare negative annual reading. These indicators could hint at a cooling housing market amid global instability. The Conflict’s Ripple Effects on Oil Prices The ongoing Iran conflict has contributed to rising oil prices, which the Federal Reserve closely monitors as part of its economic strategy. Historically, when oil prices climb, the Fed may adjust its monetary policy, such as raising interest rates further to counter inflationary pressures. Consequently, the interplay between oil prices and mortgage rates makes understanding the broader economic picture crucial for investors and homeowners alike. If tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, one can expect more hawkish rhetoric from the Fed, which may further complicate the mortgage landscape. Mortgage Spreads: A Silver Lining? Interestingly, one aspect mitigating some negatives in the current environment has been the relatively improved mortgage spreads this year. If mortgage spreads had remained at historical high levels, current rates might be as high as 8%. Instead, as of last week, spreads were at 1.97%, offering a somewhat favorable outlook for potential homebuyers and current homeowners looking to refinance. Analyzing the trend in mortgage rates alongside the spreads provides valuable insight into how markets are navigating external pressures. Market Predictions: What Lies Ahead? Looking forward, the 2026 housing market forecast suggests a potential range for mortgage rates likely to fluctuate between 5.75% and 6.75%, contingent on broader economic indicators, including the trajectory of the Iran conflict and its implications for oil prices. If the conflict intensifies, jumps in mortgage rates may become more pronounced, leading to hesitance among buyers. Investor and Buyer Sentiment: Implications of Market Dynamics As rates inch upwards, prospective buyers might feel increasingly discouraged, reinforcing the trend of subdued demand. Current investors in the housing market must now sift through a landscape that is not only characterized by higher rates but the pervasive fear of geopolitical instability affecting their long-term investments. The dichotomy between the need for affordable housing and rising costs creates an atmosphere ripe for a reassessment of strategies. In conclusion, while the housing market attempts to find its footing amidst complex external pressures, understanding the layers of influence — from mortgage rates to international conflicts — is imperative for homeowners and investors alike. Staying informed on these key indicators will enhance your decision-making prowess in an increasingly volatile financial landscape.

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